(DC file photo)
Expecting the impact of the projected severe El Niño event in the coming weeks or months, the Department of Education (DepEd) has clarified that students are no longer required to wear school uniforms as part of the measures to address the adverse effects of the climate phenomenon.
According to education secretary Edwards ‘Sonny’ Angara, “there is no need to wear uniform, informal, anything, as long as it’s a little dignified, but we will not be strict with wearing uniforms because we know it’s hot inside the classrooms.”
Secretary Angara explained that the move is in line with President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (PBNM)’s directive to government agencies on preparing for the worst-case effects of the looming super El Niño, which is expected to bring drought or very dry conditions to nearly all provinces until the first quarter of next year.
Department of Science and Technology (DoST) secretary Renato Solidum had earlier announced that most provinces could experience drought or very dry conditions by the end of March 2027, although the severity would vary depending on rainfall levels in different areas.
Secretary Solidum cited that some provinces may experience more pronounced dry conditions only in the coming months.
In the meantime, beyond easing uniform requirements, DepEd is also considering class suspensions when temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius to protect students from severe heat during the impending El Niño event.
Angara raised the possibility during his agency’s budget hearing at the Senate, responding to concerns from Senator Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino IV regarding public schools’ preparedness as more than 100 municipalities have already declared a state of emergency due to the looming phenomenon.
“When temperatures reach 40 degrees or higher, students should be sent home. In fact, they should be sent home even before that because they could develop headaches or nosebleeds,” the former senator pointed out.
He stated that local government units (LGUs) generally have the authority to suspend classes but school administrators may also do so during emergencies.
Alongside the implementation of DepEd’s measures to protect students from extreme heat, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is partnering with the education department to strengthen school safety, disaster preparedness and youth development.
“The collaboration will focus on strengthening Red Cross Youth clubs in schools, providing training in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and disaster risk reduction and management, while promoting mental health awareness, peer support and humanitarian values,” PRC chairman and chief-executive-officer Richard ‘Dick’ Gordon noted.
